New Media, New Problems
As students use digital media more and more, a new set of problems is arising in schools. The Internet can be a pathway to fabulous information and some of the things students can do with a computer make for terrific learning. But using digital media can also be the gateway to trouble. Current problem areas include:
- Plagiarism and cheating. The Internet has made it all too easy to copy text and even download entire papers from the Internet.
- Downloading, copying and sharing digital products like games, software, movies, and music. The process is often simple but is, in many cases, illegal. Several students have been charged with illegally downloading and sharing music.
- Cybercrime. There's no shortage of hackers, vandals, predators, and scam artists in the online universe. Children are especially vulnerable and it's important to teach them how to protect themselves, maintain their privacy, and stay out of harm’s way.
- Destruction of the reputation of students and teachers. Some students have used the anonymity of the Internet to launch personal attacks on other students or teachers. It's easy to send an e-mail, a digital photo, or build a Web site that spreads rumors and malicious information about someone else.
So what can you do?
